From scientists and entrepreneurs to women’s rights campaigners and musicians, each played their part in forging the city we know and love today. And to mark 2026 International Women’s Day, here are just some of the city’s incredible women who left their mark on history and forged a path for girl power. READ MORE: Blue plaque to celebrate achievements of Leeds swimming champion LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP RETRO NEWSLETTER: Sign up for our free monthly email digest of Leeds nostalgia
7. Priya Subramanian
This award-winning scientist was a research fellow at the University of Leeds School of Mathematics from 2015 to 2019. Her research has included looking at the highly advanced field of quasicrystalline structures, which looks at complex mathematical patterns. She has also since appeared at the Leeds Masterclass series where she spoke to 13 and 14 year old maths students. Priya has praised Leeds and the University as “fertile grounds for budding early career researchers like me and curious-minded people.” Photo: YPN
8. Melanie Brown
Leeds's own Scary Spice became one of the biggest pop stars in history as ‘Girl Power’ swept the world. She was awarded an MBE earlier this year for her work with domestic violence charity Women’s Aid, of which she is an ambassador. Photo: Getty
9. Corinne Bailey Rae
The singer-songwriter is best known for her 2006 single ‘Put Your Records On’. She made history after becoming the fourth British female artist to have her first album debut at number one. Photo: YPN
10. Kadenna Cox
She was awarded an MBE in 2017 for her services to athletics and OBE in the 2022 New Years Honours List for her achievements in athletics and cycling. The Paralympic gold-medallist, I’m a Celebrity star and Celebrity Masterchef champion has a raft of incredible accolades to her name - including Olympic world records. Photo: Getty
11. Enjoyed this gallery?
Share your feedback with Andrew Hutchinson via email at: [email protected] or tweet him - @AndyHutchYPN Photo: Getty